This Napa Valley estate was purchased by Al Brounstein in
1968, but it wasn’t until 1972 that the first Diamond Creek wines
were released. Since then these wines have become among the most
highly sought after in California. Just 1500 cases or so are made
annually, and even at a per-bottle price in the region of £100, these
sell out fairly quickly. The three wines are made from Bordeaux
varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. They form one of the most
celebrated non-European demonstrations of terroir: each wine is
vinified similarly, the only difference lying in the soil type and
exposure of the three vineyard plots. These ‘terroir’ differences
are demonstrated in the wines, although if you want to try to spot
them yourself at home, it could be a fairly expensive experiment.

It’s tough to assess wines like these, made in a rather
unshowy, structured style and destined for ageing, when they are so
early on in their development. It’s also tough to be objective when
you know how much they cost. Having said this, it’s clear that they
are high quality, Bordeaux-style reds with firm tannins and lots of
potential. They’ll need to be cellared for some time to begin to
show why they are so highly sought after.

1998 Red Rock Terrace Cabernet SauvignonThis is the warmest of the three sites. Quite rich, perfumed nose
with some sweet fruit. Beautifully balanced but still tannic palate,
very much in a Bordeaux style. Firmly structured still. Very
good/excellent

1998 Gravelly Meadow Cabernet SauvignonComplex, spicy, mineralic nose. Concentrated, chunky palate is
quite firm with lots of tannin. Great potential here, even though it
is currently lean and very youthful. Very good/excellent